Associate Members

AgMotion is an agri-business holding company based in Minneapolis, MN. Tim Carlson and Rolf Peters founded the company in February 2000 as a growth platform with the vision of bringing together great people and emergent technology to create a better kind of trading company. Today, AgMotion has around 80 team members, does business around the world, is an integral player in multiple supply chains in the agri-business sector, has earned a spot on the 100 Largest Private Companies in Minnesota list for a number of years, and was recognized in 2013 and 2014 as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in Minnesota by Minnesota Business Magazine.

AgStar Financial Services is a cooperative, owned by our client-stockholders. We provide a broad range of financial services and business tools for agricultural and rural clients in Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, focusing on simple, practical solutions that meet our clients’ needs.

At BASF, we create chemistry – and have been doing so for 150 years. As the world’s leading chemical company, we combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society.

BBI International produces globally recognized bioenergy events and trade magazines. In addition to the International Biomass Conference & Expo and its allied regional events, BBI owns and operates the largest, longest-running ethanol conference in the world—the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW)—and the National Advanced Biofuels Conference & Expo. The company publishes Biomass Magazine, Ethanol Producer Magazine, and Biodiesel Magazine, as well as a number of ancillary products including maps, directories, e-newsletters and other Web-based industry resources.

A chemical by itself doesn’t solve problems. But in the hands of a Buckman professional it becomes a solution. The difference? Commitment. A commitment to finding new and better ways to apply chemistries. To helping high-performance companies perform even better. To making service a science. And to finding sustainable ways of working that benefit not only ourselves and our customers, but also the communities we share.

We are developing a comprehensive licensing package that will supply current ethanol operations with new technology enabling the production of biobutanol. We are also developing refining customers for biobutanol, and will offer a secure, high-value market for biobutanol produced with the technology. In addition, we’ll provide a full range of services to enable successful ethanol plant retrofits, including ongoing consultancy and technical support.

Founded in 1925, Carl Marks & Co. is one of the investment community’s most experienced merchant banks. Through four generations, family-owned and -operated Carl Marks has created value through clear thinking, creative advice, skillful execution and uncompromised integrity.

Christianson PLLP was founded in 1987 on the principle of solving problems for rural businesses and farmers. Growing up on a Minnesota farm, John Christianson understood the challenges that his neighbors faced. Using his talents for accounting and business, he set out to help others successfully grow their businesses and protect their assets. Whether working with a small, local company, an ethanol production startup, or a large corporation, Christianson PLLP brings you the quality and expertise you depend on.

CoBank is a national cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states.

The company strictly follows the Renewable Energy Law and is supporting the national energy strategy by strictly following the Renewable Energy Law , actively responding responds to the requirements of the Comprehensive Working Program on Energy Saving and Emission Reduction issued by the State Council to ‘actively facilitate the adjustment of the energy sector, steadily develop alternative energy sources, organize and implement the special program for the development of biofuel ethanol and ethanol gasoline for motor vehicles’. It has established production bases in Anhui, Jilin, Guangxi and other areas with an annual production capacity of 800,000 tons of ethanol to replace gasoline as a fossil fuel, saving 2.8 million tons of petroleum and reducing 6.3 million tons of carbon dioxide emission every year.

The Colorado Corn Administrative Committee (CCAC) was established by the 1987 Corn Marketing Order to manage a one-penny-per-bushel assessment collected by first handlers from sales of corn in Colorado. Those funds are allowed to be used specifically for market development, promotion, research and education on behalf of corn producers in this state. Farmers elected to the board and the annual budget are subject to approval by the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture.

CSX is a leading supplier of rail-based freight transportation in North America. But there’s more to CSX than you might expect. Learn all about CSX and discover what we’re doing for our customers, environment and communities.

Eco-Energy is an end-to-end midstream alternative energy company centered on the marketing, trading, transportation, and distribution of biofuels around the world.

We manage more than $4 billion in sales and handle 10% of the North American biofuels market. This position enables our clients to benefit from the expertise and long-held relationships we have developed over our more than 20 years in the biofuels industry.

Emerald Performance Materials, LLC produces and markets technologically advanced specialty chemicals for a broad range of food and industrial applications. Its products play a variety of roles in the products that are consumed and used every day, enabling them to last longer, look, smell, taste or perform better. Emerald products are used in aerospace, food, beverages, cosmetics, toothpaste, household products, paint, tires, automobiles, sports gear and many other applications. Headquartered in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Emerald has eight operations and approximately 750 employees.

Fagen is the largest, most respected green energy design-builder in the United States. Ron Fagen, the Chairman of the Board, has been involved in industrial construction since 1974. Since that time, he has continually instilled the importance of safety, quality, and customer satisfaction throughout the entire framework of Fagen, Inc. The result has been a successful company that provides the best in design-build services and customer satisfaction.

Farm Credit Services of America, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is dedicated to serving the agricultural credit, risk management and financial needs of farmers and ranchers in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.

We are a part of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide agricultural network providing credit and affiliated services to farm and ranch operators across the United States. Overall, the Farm Credit System supplies the nation’s agricultural industry with nearly one-third of its credit needs.

Fluid Quip Process Technologies was founded in 2012. Headquartered in Bellbrook Ohio, FQPT is a sister company to Fluid-Quip, Inc. Fluid-Quip has provided separation and grind equipment for the corn wet milling and pulp and paper industries for over 25 years. FQPT leverages years of corn wet milling experience to provide value-added technologies to the dry-grind corn ethanol industry. Principal John Kwik P.E., has many years of experience providing plant optimization solutions to ethanol plants. FQPT brings years of process solutions and equipment design know-how to develop unique systems and equipment that help ethanol plants become bio-refineries of tomorrow. FQPT holds various process and equipment patents and strives to develop unique process and equipment solutions to dry-grind ethanol plants. FQPT develops systems and equipment, but strives to provide custom solutions to specific plant needs and focus.

Some companies turn their backs on volatility and tough challenges. We charge forward. Some companies manage their business to avoid defeat. We manage ours to ensure mutual victories. Some companies see feed, food and fuel as nothing more than essentials to survive. We see them as the potential to thrive.

At Gavilon, it’s anything but business as usual. We leverage our industry expertise and a vast physical distribution network to effectively connect producers and consumers of agricultural commodities. At each stage of the supply chain, we look for opportunities to decrease costs, speed time to market and realize greater operational efficiencies.

We greet each day ready for a challenge. We don’t settle for the status quo. And we strive to earn your business day after day. Regardless of the external forces affecting our business, we Thrive On.

Armin Hirsch started Gold Eagle with a small Chicago storefront, and a vision to produce only the most innovative automotive chemicals. In 1932, Hirsch’s business focused on preventing and curing the toughest engine problems. Since then, Gold Eagle has evolved beyond the engine to offer complete protection for all the things you’re passionate about—from cars to boats to recreation equipment to patio furniture and more. With millions of satisfied customers, it’s hard to believe the company behind some of the world’s most trusted automotive brands started as a one-man operation. See how Armin Hirsch’s small business grew into the Gold Eagle of today in our detailed timeline.

GROWMARK is a regional agricultural cooperative based in Bloomington, Ill. GROWMARK is owned by local member cooperatives and provides those cooperatives and other customers with fuels, lubricants, plant nutrients, crop protection products, seed, structures, equipment, and grain marketing assistance. In addition, GROWMARK provides a host of services from warehousing and logistics to training and marketing support. The GROWMARK System serves customers in more than 40 states and Ontario, Canada.

Hartland Fuel Products, a subsidiary company of Petro Energy, L.L.C., is a wholesale marketer of refined products and propane in the Mid-Continent. We offer a complete line of gasoline, distillates, and propane at most major terminal systems. We offer both branded and unbranded supply relationships. At Hartland, we strive to differentiate ourselves by providing superior value to our customers. Hartland Fuels offers 24/7 customer service, strong supply relationships, trading knowledge and advanced technology.

Welcome to the Internet home of J.D. Heiskell & Company. We are a 129-year-old grain and commodity trading business that also operates livestock feed manufacturing and trans-loading facilities in nine western states, and exports grains and commodities to Mexico, the Pacific Rim and the Far East.

Hydro-Klean provides an array of services to meet the needs of industrial and municipal clients throughout the Midwest United States. With a fleet of hydroblasting equipment, powerful vacuum trucks, video inspection units and specialized tools and equipment, Hydro-Klean has the resources to resolve your issues for planned events as well as for those on an emergency basis. Hydro-Klean is also equipped to respond when the unthinkable happens, whether it is a hazardous materials release or a natural disaster. Hydro-Klean has the experience and knowledge to respond safely and efficiently.

ICM is a company on the leading edge of an exciting industry—one dedicated to realizing every benefit of biofuels technology. Our equipment and processes are already used in the majority of U.S. ethanol plants, and we continue to develop processes to make ethanol production more efficient for our customers. ICM has also pioneered technology in power plants and grain processing facilities outside the ethanol industry, using our know-how to improve efficiencies across the entire biofuels spectrum—not just in the U.S., but around the globe.

ICGA is a grassroots membership organization with 5,000 members. ICGA maintains a high profile in the legislative arena in Springfield, IL and Washington, DC through the benefit of membership dues. The Illinois Corn Marketing Act precludes the use of corn checkoff dollars for legislative activities so ICGA utilizes its membership income for these activities.

Innospec is a global specialty chemicals business with the talent, expertise and drive to help our customers succeed in competitive markets. We make it our business to provide innovative ground-breaking products, combined with excellent customer service and technical support. Our global scale and local capabilities enable us to remain flexible and dynamic to our customers’ changing needs, with a continued focus on quality-driven and responsive service.

INTL FCStone Inc. (Nasdaq: INTL) provides clients across the globe with a comprehensive range of customized financial services and tools to help them protect their margins and manage volatility. A pioneer in specialized financial services, we open markets for underserved mid-market clients with insight, guidance and access.

The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB), works to develop and defend markets, fund research, and provide education about corn and corn products. The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is a membership organization lobbying on agricultural issues on behalf of its 8,000 members. Both organizations work on the joint mission to create opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) brings together Iowa ethanol and biodiesel producers to foster the development and growth of the state’s renewable fuels industry through education, promotion and infrastructure development. IRFA is committed to making Iowa a leader in producing renewable fuels and value-added co-products.

KCGA members elect board members at the KCGA Annual Meeting. All KCGA members receive notice of the annual meeting. Elections for the West-Central, Central and East-Central board members will be held at the 2015 KCGA Annual Meeting. Elections for the Southwest, South-Central and Southeast districts will be held in 2016. Elections for the Northwest, North Central and Northeast districts will be held in 2017.

KATZEN International, Inc. is located in Cincinnati, Ohio. We are a leading provider of technology, process design, and consulting engineering services to a wide variety of chemical and related process industries with a strategic focus on the continuous improvement, development and application of biofuels and bioethanol worldwide.

Kenan Advantage Group is North America’s largest tank truck transporter and logistics provider, delivering fuel, chemicals, industrial gases, and food-grade products. KAG is the only independent fuels delivery carrier with a nationwide network, having operations in 40 states and the ability to deliver within all 48 states of the continental United States and Mexico. In addition, KAG operates in 16 locations throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories.

The Kentucky Corn Growers Association is dedicated to growing opportunities for Kentucky corn farmers in a changing industry. This grassroots organization, founded in 1982, represents the interests of more than 7,000 corn farmers in the Commonwealth

Kinder Morgan is the largest energy infrastructure company in North America. We own an interest in or operate approximately 84,000 miles of pipelines and 165 terminals. Our pipelines transport natural gas, refined petroleum products, crude oil, carbon dioxide (CO2) and more. We also store or handle a variety of products and materials at our terminals such as gasoline, jet fuel, ethanol, coal, petroleum coke and steel.

Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits is the industry leader in supplying fermentation products and value-added services to the ethanol industry. We specialize in the research, development, production and marketing of yeast, yeast nutrients and antimicrobial agents.Website: http://www.lallemandbds.com

McGladrey is a leading provider of assurance, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market. We guide our clients through complex business challenges by understanding their needs and bringing together the right team to address them. With nearly 8,000 professionals and associates in 80 cities nationwide and access to more than 32,000 people in 100 countries through our membership in RSM International, we can meet your needs wherever in the world you do business.

At Merjent, we understand the demands and complexities of energy construction projects and operational compliance. Our enterprising spirit has helped propel multi-million dollar energy projects from feasibility to operation since 2004.

Michael Best is a full service firm with more than 220 lawyers who provide clients with the exceptional legal service and business acumen that have defined our firm for generations. Our practice is broadly organized into the following areas: Banking & Financial Services, Corporate & Transactional, Energy Law, Environmental & Natural Resources, Government Relations & Public Policy, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment Relations, Litigation, Real Estate, and Tax. Michael Best has a long history of serving clients in the consumer and industrial products sectors. As those sectors evolve, our practice has grown to encompass a diverse range of technology and software clients. We have deep experience in a number of industries that are subject to unique regulatory schemes or rapidly changing market conditions, such as: Agribusiness, Energy, Food & Beverage, Higher Education, and Life Sciences.

Midwest Laboratories, Inc. opened its doors for business as A & L Midwest Agricultural Laboratories on May 15, 1975 in rented quarters in Omaha, Nebraska, the first branch operation of the Memphis-based laboratory. At the controls were Kennard Pohlman and John Torpy, with extensive experience in soil and chemical analysis. Later, John DeBoer would bring computer expertise to add to the equation.

We are the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and representing the renewable fuels industry in Minnesota. We are committed to promoting cleaner energy for a greener and energy independent America.

When a small group of Minnesota farmers got together in 1978 to create the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA), there was no ethanol industry; there was no check-off fund to pay for research and promotion of corn-based products. No corn fructose sweetener or corn-based plastics and textiles. There was scant representation of the farmer’s viewpoint in St. Paul and Washington.

Our America’s Farmers campaign features real farm families doing what they do every day – growing not only our food, but also our economy and our quality of life here in America. We’re all connected to agriculture and it’s time we, as a nation, learn more about the industry that provides for us every day.

A trusted partner at more than one million customer locations, Ecolab (ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital resources. With 2014 sales of $14 billion and 47,000 associates, Ecolab delivers comprehensive solutions and on-site service to promote safe food, maintain clean environments, optimize water and energy use and improve operational efficiencies for customers in the food, healthcare, energy, hospitality and industrial markets in more than 170 countries around the world.

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents more than 40,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its 48 affiliated state organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for corn growers.

Sorghum – a grain, forage or sugar crop – is among the most efficient crops in conversion of solar energy and use of water. Sorghum is known as a high-energy, drought-tolerant crop. Because of its versatility and adaptation, “sorghum is one of the really indispensable crops” required for the survival of humankind (From Jack Harlan, 1971).

The mission of the Nebraska Corn Board is to develop, carry out and participate in programs of research, education, market development and promotion to enhance profitability (viability) and expand the demand and value of Nebraska corn and value-added corn products.

From our early days with only eight coal traders in a small office in Stamford, Connecticut, Noble Americas has built a diversified business that includes: clean fuels, cocoa, sugar, coffee, aluminum, cotton, and petroleum and energy products. We now employ more than 500 people in the United States and work closely with Noble Group’s 11,000-strong global workforce.

North Dakota is divided into seven districts, and members of the Association are elected to serve producers in these districts. In addition to the seven districts, four board members are elected at large from across the state. Four Industry Representatives also serve on the corn growers board representing seed, chemical, crop consulting, ethanol and marketing interests.

As a pioneer and leader in the bioenergy industry, Novozymes provides customers with advanced bioinnovation solutions that set new standards for performance and viability. They offer a broad portfolio of robust, high-yielding enzymes for all areas of biofuel production that are second to none in terms of performance, quality, and reliability.

The Ohio Corn Marketing Program was approved by an affirmative vote of Ohio’s corn producers. The voluntary, self-help program allows for the collection of a 3/4 cent-per-bushel assessment by all first purchasers of the grain. The program started April 1, 1989.

PhibroEPG is one of the leading animal health companies in the world and is dedicated to helping meet the growing demand for animal protein. We are a global diversified animal health and mineral nutrition company. We concentrate exclusively on animals for food production and are one of the few global companies offering a comprehensive range of animal health and mineral nutrition products. For nearly 40 years we have been committed to providing livestock producers with value-based products and solutions to help them maintain and enhance the health of their animals. We develop, manufacture and market a broad range of products for food animals including poultry, swine, beef and dairy cattle and aquaculture. Our products help prevent, control and treat diseases, enhance nutrition to help improve health and contribute to balanced mineral nutrition.

Pinnacle Engineering, Inc. (Pinnacle) was formed in 1991 to serve the expanding environmental needs of industrial and manufacturing businesses. As an environmental engineering and consulting company, Pinnacle provides a full range of environmental, industrial, civil engineering, and remedial field services — serving the expanding environmental needs of railroad, industrial, commercial, utility, manufacturing, and renewable energy clientele.

Founded in 1999, Protec Fuel Management, LLC is an ethanol fuel marketing and solutions company dedicated to providing a unique turnkey ethanol solution to distributors, retailers and fleets across the nation. Along with our broad range of risk management products, Protec supplies ethanol to over 200 retailers across the South, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic areas.[/caption]

PRX Geographic provides the data and insight that the USDA, major state and national grain organizations, railroads, barge lines, agriculture financial institutions, and regional coops use to make critical business decisions.

RPMG is an ethanol marketing company that consistently provides the most reliable and professional services to our plants and consumers. We offer our plants renewable and sustainable energy solutions, as well as a diversified platform, transparency and strength in volume. For our consumers, we supply consistent and reliable delivery of products along with upfront communication and efficiency. By delivering exemplary service and continuous improvement of systems and technology, our clients receive extraordinary value for their commitment.

Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) is one of America’s leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, is North America’s premier railroad franchise, covering 23 states across the western two-thirds of the United States.

USD Group®, or USDG, and our affiliates are engaged in designing, developing, owning and managing large-scale multi-modal logistics centers and energy-related midstream infrastructure across North America. USDG is currently owned by its employees, Energy Capital Partners and Goldman Sachs.

U.S. Water is a culture of diversified individuals who come together to create a unique customer service experience utilizing the Seven Service Standards approach to ensure communication and value between our organization and yours.